FAQs
What's Included In An Estimate?
In our flooring project estimates, we encompass both the expenses for materials and installation. By doing so, we guarantee that your quote encompasses a manufacturer-approved installation process, which safeguards your warranty.
How Should I Compare Flooring Estimates?
While exploring options for new flooring, it is likely that you will encounter multiple project estimates. Even if you decide not to engage our services, we are committed to ensuring the success of your project. Here are three approaches you can employ to compare estimates:
- The 10% Rule: If the lowest quote you receive is more than 10% cheaper than the highest quote, it is probable that corners are being cut. Generally, the discrepancy between each quote should not exceed 10%.
- Installation Process: To safeguard your warranty, inquire whether the installer follows a method approved by the manufacturer. This ensures that in the event of a warranty claim, no conflicts arise.
- Online Reviews: It is essential for companies to address customer feedback online. If you observe an installer disregarding negative feedback, they may not be the most suitable choice. Additionally, ratings below four stars can raise concerns.
How Long Does A Consultation Take?
The entire procedure typically lasts around 90 minutes and equips you with all the necessary information to select the ideal partner for your flooring installation project. This comprehensive process covers aspects such as product selection and provides an estimate of the timeline for your project.
*This estimate may vary based on project location or for commercial-grade installations.
What Happens During In-Home Appointments?
Our exclusive consultations simplify the flooring selection and installation process through four straightforward steps. Here’s what you can anticipate when you arrange a complimentary in-home meeting with one of our Design Associates:
- Personal Consultation: Each appointment is assigned to a dedicated flooring professional who will be with you from start to finish, ensuring personalized attention throughout.
- In-Home Shopping: Our Mobile Flooring Showroom® will arrive at your doorstep, showcasing over 3,000 product options. This allows you to visualize how each flooring option will complement your space’s lighting, decor, and style.
- Budget-Conscious Proposals: Once your Design Associate understands your objectives and budget, they will provide you with multiple proposal options that strike the perfect balance between price, product quality, and installation.
- Fast Quotes: During your consultation, our Design Associate will promptly deliver complete proposal options for your flooring project on the same day.* Please note that larger projects may require up to 48 hours to deliver a complete proposal, and commercial project estimates will vary.
*Please note that larger projects may take up to 48 hours to receive a comprehensive proposal. Commercial project estimates may vary.
Do You Offer Financing?
Absolutely! Floor Coverings International® provides a range of financing choices tailored to suit any budget and credit condition. In addition to the cost of your flooring project, we will furnish you with payment terms and opportunities for each alternative we propose.
Do You Offer A Warranty On Flooring Installation?
Floor Coverings International® offers a warranty of at least one (1) year on installation and workmanship, with extended warranties available at select locations. For details, please contact your local branch. Additionally, the majority of our flooring products include a factory-direct limited warranty that safeguards against manufacturer defects. These warranties typically extend for up to 10 years, ensuring long-lasting protection and customer satisfaction
Do You Offer A Warranty On Flooring Products?
Yes! The products showcased in our mobile showroom come with a factory-direct limited warranty. This warranty provided by the manufacturer offers coverage for product defects, ensuring that issues like stains on a stain-resistant carpet are addressed.
It’s important to note that these warranties generally do not cover regular wear and tear, and their typical duration is up to ten years.
Do You Have A Showroom I Can Visit?
Many of our Floor Coverings International® locations have local warehouses or storefronts, but visits are usually by appointment only.
Most customers browse our products at an on-site consultation. We bring our entire flooring catalog to each appointment, so you can visualize how different materials and designs will look in your unique space.
How Can I Match New Flooring To My Current Style?
Before scheduling a free consultation with our Design Associates, here are four design tips to kick-start your flooring selection process:
- Choose Complementary Colors: Select colors that harmonize with the overall color scheme of the space, creating a cohesive and visually pleasing environment.
- Use Contrasting Textures: Incorporate textures that contrast with other elements in the room to add depth and visual interest.
- Consider Functionality: Keep in mind the purpose of the room. For example, avoid using carpeting in kitchens where it may not be the most practical choice.
- Embrace Your Unique Style: Express your individuality and personal taste through your flooring selection. Don’t shy away from exploring different styles that resonate with you.
When you’re ready to delve deeper into these design considerations, our Design Associates will be there to expertly guide you towards finding a flooring product that perfectly matches your style and preferences.
What do the vinyl acronyms LVT, LVP, and EVP mean?
- LVT means luxury vinyl tile.
- LVP stands for luxury vinyl plank.
- EVP is short for engineered vinyl plank.
How is luxury vinyl plank made?
Vinyl plank uses 3D printing technology similar to vinyl laminate flooring to create a top layer that mimics high-end materials and costs a fraction of their price.
What types of installations are offered for luxury vinyl plank flooring?
We provide both Adhesive/Glue and Float/Glueless installation options to our customers.
Is vinyl plank flooring a good value?
Luxury vinyl plank flooring has many improvements over traditional sheet vinyl. And when it comes to style, durability, application, and cost, plank vinyl also beats out vinyl laminate flooring. Both vinyl plank and laminate flooring are created in multiple layers that make either stronger, quieter, or more comfortable than sheet vinyl. But the layering of vinyl plank includes a coating that resists scratching and staining and backings that contract better in high foot traffic areas. When you add the moisture resistance of plank vinyl flooring, you end up with a material that can be used in almost any area of the house. Its applications include:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Basements
- Family Rooms
- Laundry Rooms
- Entryways
- Living Room
- Bedroom
- Home Office
Is tile a good choice for my home?
Tile is an excellent option if you want a one-of-a-kind design for any room in your home. Floor Coverings International® can help you select and install tile on any surface in your home.
What should I know about tile?
Tile is versatile and has a lot going for it, so it’s an excellent choice to install in your home. It is affordable, attractive and easy to create unique patterns throughout your property. It is extremely resilient, so it doesn’t stain easily and withstands years of foot traffic. Tile doesn’t require a lot of upkeep and just needs to be cleaned like any other surface in your home. If you choose a porous product, we can seal it at the time of installation.
Tile flooring has increased in demand for several reasons, one of which is its adaptability. We can install it in a variety of environments nationwide. Tile offers excellent value for any budget, so homeowners love it. It also has a classic look, and even when used in a modern design, retains a timeless appeal. It comes in various colors, textures, and patterns, so you can mix and match to create a unique design.
What are the differences between laminate, linoleum, and vinyl flooring?
Laminate
- Laminate is made primarily of high-density fiberboard, covered in a photographic image and a transparent protective wear layer.
- Laminate flooring is specifically intended to mimic hardwood, so it is available in a wide range of wood-like patterns and colors.
- An alternative to hardwood is beneficial because it’s easy to maintain and can work in almost any space.
- Laminate is quite affordable and provides a cheaper alternative to traditional hardwood.
Luxury Vinyl
- Luxury vinyl flooring is made primarily of vinyl, though it may also contain fiberglass, felt, and dyes. Like laminate, it is covered in a high-resolution image with a protective top layer.
Vinyl planks are available in as many wood look-alike styles as laminate. However, vinyl flooring is available in sheet and tile form, offering even more options. - Vinyl is quite durable and water-resistant. It also has a built-in underlayment that can help to absorb sound and add comfort.
- Whether plank, tile, or sheet, luxury vinyl flooring is usually very affordable.
Linoleum
- Linoleum is made entirely of natural, eco-friendly materials. It usually consists of a mix of linseed oil, tree resin, limestone, and wood dust.
- Linoleum is available in many styles that mimic tile, hardwood, and other colorful patterns and designs.
- Linoleum floors are resistant to wear and tear with the right upkeep. Applying sealant to it periodically makes it even more resistant to water.
- Linoleum flooring tends to feel more cushioned and comfortable than rigid options like laminate and hardwood.
Why should I choose laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring is quickly becoming a popular flooring choice throughout the nation. Whether you are budget-conscious or want a floor that is easy to care for with no special requirements, Floor Coverings International® has a great selection that we can show you from the convenience of your own home with our mobile flooring showroom™.
Laminate flooring is protected by a tough exterior layer and is coated in resin, making it an incredibly durable floor covering. It is resistant to scratches, impact damage, and doesn’t mar easily. Laminates are designed to withstand more wear than any other floor coverings, which makes it an excellent option for a busy household.
Additional advantages for choosing laminate flooring from Floor Coverings International® is how well it repels stains, is fade-resistant, and is impervious to moisture. These properties make it easy to clean and maintain.
Is hardwood flooring durable?
Whether you choose solid or performance hardwood flooring you will have a solution that is incredibly durable and will stand up to the rigors of an active home. By taking proper care of your wood floors, the hard surface can last for decades and any scratches become a beautifully aged patina. Quality wood flooring lasts years with minimal upkeep, and because most wood floors can be refinished, the life of your flooring is extended. Even though hardwood floor coverings may have a higher price point to begin with, minimal upkeep and longevity make them a cost-effective flooring choice.
Why should I choose hardwood flooring?
There are so many reasons why more and more homeowners choose hardwood flooring throughout their properties. Whether it’s the enhanced value, timeless look, or longevity of wood, we have options that are sure to please. Wood floors enhance the ambiance of any home. Their appeal is universal and provides a visual warmth to a home, making the space inviting. Hardwood floors always make a great first impression and add value to your property.
Wood floors are easy to clean and maintain because they can be swept, vacuumed, wiped down and steam cleaned. They are easy to keep clean as well, and you never have to worry about issues like accumulating pet dander, carpet mites, or other bugs, which can improve the quality of air in your home. Additionally, what makes wood floors even easier to maintain is the fact that they are significantly more stain-resistant than other floor coverings.
Low or high-pile carpet: What’s right for me?
High-pile carpet might be right for you if…
- You're interested in carpet for its warmth and comfort. High-pile is known for the cozy home atmosphere it helps create.
- You don't want your carpet to become flattened over time. Despite its taller loops, high pile carpet is less likely to flatten than low carpet options.
- You love the luxurious look that full, fluffy carpet offers.
- Low-pile could be a fit if…
- Your home includes allergy sufferers. A low-pile carpet helps prevent allergens from lodging within your carpet's surface.
- Easy cleaning is important to you. Low pile carpet's flatter surface makes it easier to remove stains quickly and thoroughly.
- You'd like to carpet a dining room or playroom. The low pile carpet's smoother surface allows chairs or toys to move across your flooring easily.
Low-pile could be a fit if…
- Your home includes allergy sufferers. A low-pile carpet helps prevent allergens from lodging within your carpet's surface.
- Easy cleaning is important to you. Low pile carpet's flatter surface makes it easier to remove stains quickly and thoroughly.
- You'd like to carpet a dining room or playroom. The low pile carpet's smoother surface allows chairs or toys to move across your flooring easily.
What is shag carpeting?
Shag rugs are a type of carpet characterized by a deep, thick pile, which gives the carpet a shaggy appearance (hence the name). Pile is usually made of strands of yarn or upright loops, and the part of the rug faces up from the backing. Shag carpeting is a cultural icon synonymous with 70's culture and is reemerging today with newfound popularity.
What's The Best Waterproof Floor?
There are many waterproof flooring options available from Floor Coverings International®.
Some flooring materials are naturally water resistant, such as luxury vinyl tile, vinyl flooring, ceramic tile, porcelain tile flooring and rubber flooring.
But that’s not all…
Additional water-resistant/repellant coatings may also be available for materials such as carpet and hardwood.
What Furniture Goes Well With Hardwood Flooring?
- Avoid wood-look furniture if possible
- If you do use wood-look furniture, make sure it matches your hardwood perfectly
- Use lighter colored furniture with dark hardwood floors and vice versa
- With lighter hardwood finishes, use furniture with interesting textures
What's The Best Pet-Friendly Flooring?
Our distinctive design consultations simplify the flooring installation process through four straightforward steps. When you schedule a free meeting with one of our design associates, here’s what you can anticipate:
- Carpet Installation: Our range includes Anso High Performance Carpet with R2X Stain Resistance Technology, which effectively prevents stains and offers easy cleaning.
- Bamboo Flooring: Experience the durability of bamboo, a type of hardwood that is highly resistant to scratches.
- Laminate Flooring: Choose laminate flooring, which is scratch-resistant and provides a cost-effective option for repairs or replacements.
- Tile Flooring: Opt for tile floors, renowned for their ability to withstand deep scratches from claws, while also being easy to clean.
- Vinyl Flooring: Consider vinyl floors, which offer easy cleaning, strong stain resistance, and simple maintenance.
For an expanded selection of options, make sure to inquire with your design associate about obtaining pet-friendly floors for your home or office.
What's The Best Flooring Brand?
The market offers a wide array of flooring brands to choose from, and determining the best one ultimately depends on selecting the features that align with your specific requirements.
At Floor Coverings International®, we establish partnerships with renowned brands such as Shaw, Armstrong, and STAINMASTER® to ensure we provide you with the finest quality flooring materials for your installation project.
However, that’s not all…
If you already have a preferred brand in mind, we can accommodate your request by placing a special order for your installation project. We have the capability to order nearly any flooring material directly from the manufacturer.
Which Type Of Flooring Is The Most Durable?
Virtually every type of flooring material offers a high-quality version that can endure for a lifetime. Whether you’re considering tile, hardwood, or vinyl flooring, our Design Associates are available to assist you in discovering a product that aligns with your design objectives and durability needs.
Nevertheless, when it comes to commercial spaces, certain durable floors may prove more advantageous than others. For instance, durable carpet squares or luxury vinyl tiles may be considered “softer” compared to stone flooring, but they offer the advantage of being easier to replace, repair, or upgrade as needed.
Contact our Far North Chicago, IL team
Whether you’re ready for a quote or want help finding your next floor, we’re ready to provide the quality service you deserve.
(773) 966-2324